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Simple Tire Maintenance Tips to Drive Safer Every Day

Tire safety is often overlooked but plays a crucial role in ensuring a smooth and safe driving experience. Poor tire condition is one of the top causes of accidents, especially on highways.

Regular tire maintenance not only improves safety but also helps extend the life of your vehicle. Here are some simple checks every driver should do, using tools like Autel TPMS tools to make the job easier and more accurate.

Why Tire Maintenance Is So Important

Tires degrade gradually due to mileage, road conditions, and weather exposure. On average, a tire should be replaced every three years or after 40,000 kilometers of use, whichever comes first.

Over time, rubber hardens, loses elasticity, and may develop cracks or slow leaks—especially if the tire is thin or aged. Old tires can also suffer from sidewall bulges, uneven wear, or air pressure issues, increasing the risk of blowouts.

Poor tire condition is one of the top causes of accidents.

Poor tire condition is one of the top causes of accidents

When and How to Check Tire Condition

Ideally, you should check your tires once a week, especially before long drives. Always inspect when the tires are cold, as driving even short distances can raise air pressure and distort readings. Here are five essential steps to evaluate your tire condition:

1. Inspect Tire Appearance

Visually inspect each tire for visible cracks, nails, bulges, or uneven tread wear. These signs could indicate internal damage or improper inflation. With the help of Autel TPMS tools, you can monitor real-time tire conditions and receive alerts for potential issues instantly.

2. Check Tire Production Date

Before buying new tires, look at the four-digit production code on the sidewall. For example, “1623” means the tire was made in the 16th week of 2023. Avoid buying tires older than a year. Tires older than three years become more prone to cracking and hardening due to temperature shifts and humidity.

3. Examine Tread Pattern Depth

Tread depth affects your grip, especially in wet conditions. When tires lose their pattern, they can't effectively channel water, leading to hydroplaning. The minimum safe depth is 1.6mm—most tires include tread wear indicators for guidance. If the tread is near or below this line, it’s time to replace the tire.

Measure tread depth and monitor tire wear condition.

Measure tread depth and monitor tire wear condition.

4. Measure Tire Air Pressure

Incorrect pressure shortens tire lifespan and compromises safety. Low air pressure causes excessive sidewall stress and heat buildup, leading to blowouts.

On the other hand, overinflated tires reduce traction and comfort. Always adjust pressure based on load and weather, particularly for the rear tires. Use a reliable digital gauge or professional Autel TPMS tools for precise results.

5. Don’t Ignore Spare Tires

Spare tires are often forgotten, yet they degrade just like regular ones. Even if unused, spare tire pressure drops over time. Check your spare once a month and make sure it’s properly inflated and ready to use in an emergency.

Other Important Tire Care Tips

  • Never mix tires of different brands or wear levels on the same axle.
  • Rotate your tires every 10,000 kilometers to ensure even wear.
  • Avoid sudden braking or aggressive cornering, which stresses the tires.
  • Keep your wheels aligned and balanced. Misalignment causes uneven wear and poor fuel economy.
Keep your wheels aligned and balanced.

Keep your wheels aligned and balanced

Why Use Autel TPMS Tools?

Autel TPMS tools are essential for any driver who wants to maintain tire health with ease and confidence. These tools offer real-time monitoring of tire pressure, temperature, and sensor condition.

They’re compatible with most vehicle models and allow for quick sensor activation, relearning, and diagnostics. Whether you're a DIY enthusiast or a professional technician, Autel's line of TPMS solutions—like the ITS600 or TS508WF—can help detect problems before they become dangerous.

By integrating Autel TPMS tools into your routine maintenance, you'll improve tire performance, extend lifespan, and ensure maximum safety on the road.

Conclusion

Proper tire maintenance is a non-negotiable part of safe driving. From weekly pressure checks to monitoring tread depth, these simple steps can help prevent costly repairs or dangerous blowouts. Use professional tools such as Autel TPMS tools for better accuracy and peace of mind.

Don’t wait until your tires show visible damage—make tire care part of your regular car maintenance routine.

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